General Vaccine Information

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Vaccines are a critical tool in protecting you and your community from severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death. They are proven safe and are now protecting millions of vaccinated New Yorkers from COVID-19.

Vaccination is safer than risking illness and long-term side effects from COVID-19. Even people who have had COVID-19 in the past should still get vaccinated.

When You Are Fully Vaccinated

After you are fully vaccinated (two weeks after your single-dose vaccine or second dose of a two-dose vaccine), you are much less likely to get or spread COVID-19.

Other benefits of vaccination:

• All activities become safer.


• You can take off your mask in more settings:
  • You do not need to wear a mask outdoors or when gathering with friends and family at home or in other private settings.
  • Masks are still required in schools, on public transportation, in health care settings and in certain congregate settings, such as nursing homes and homeless shelters, and at any other setting if designated by a business or location.
  • We recommend wearing a mask in all other public indoor settings, even when it is not required, as well as in any setting when you do not know the vaccination status of those around you.
  • Keep your mask on if you are around unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19.


• You no longer need to quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19.


• You no longer need to get tested for COVID-19, unless you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a recent exposure, or testing is required for work, school or a specific activity.

Even after you are vaccinated, you should still stay home if you are sick or test positive for COVID-19.

If you have a condition or are taking medicines that weaken your immune system, you may not be protected even if you are fully vaccinated. You should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people until advised otherwise by your health care provider.

• CDC: Choosing Safer Activities

Free Transportation and In-Home Vaccinations

City residents 65 and older can get free transportation to and from a vaccination appointment. This service is also available for those with disabilities who have no other way to get to a vaccination site.

To schedule free transport by either ambulette or taxi (including wheelchair accessible vehicles), call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692). If you are younger than 18, you must have your parent or guardian call to book the trip on your behalf.

You can also sign up online for an in-home vaccination or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692). Anyone 12 or older is eligible for in-home vaccination.

• In-Home Vaccination Information
• Palm Card: Get a Free In-Home Vaccination Today (PDF)
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Third Doses for People with Weakened Immune System

Separate from booster shots, people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (meaning they have a weakened immune system) are eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, as part of their initial vaccination series. They can get a third dose 28 days after their second shot.

This shot is intended to help a small number of people who may not have had sufficient immunity from the first two shots. People who receive this shot may also be eligible to later receive a booster shot.

• COVID-19 Vaccines: Third Dose for People Who Are Immunocompromised (PDF)
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Fair and Equitable Access

The Health Department is ensuring there is fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. Our plans account for health inequities and disparities faced by underserved communities (PDF). We are ensuring the communities hit hardest by the pandemic have access to the vaccine.

• COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Strategy (PDF)
• COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for the Disability Community

Note: All Health Department websites are designed to be accessible for people with disabilities.

People with Disabilities

People with disabilities can get help making a vaccination appointment at an accessible site, traveling to their appointment and getting their shot. This kind of help is called a reasonable accommodation.

You can get a reasonable accommodation if you have difficulty with:

• Seeing or hearing
• Thinking or concentrating
• Speaking
• Using your arms
• Taking care of daily chores
• Coping with feelings of sadness or anxiety
• Getting around or climbing stairs

Though not a complete list, some common examples of a reasonable accommodation are: a wheelchair provided on arrival, ASL interpretation or tactile interpretation, a quiet space if loud spaces are overwhelming, and verbal or physical guidance to navigate the vaccination site.

You can request a reasonable accommodation when you schedule your vaccination, either through the City's online appointment scheduler or by calling 855-491-2667. You can also ask for a reasonable accommodation from staff at a City-run vaccination site, or email hubaccess@health.nyc.gov for more information.

You can also sign up for an in-home vaccination online or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692). Learn more about in-home vaccination.

For more information, see:

• NYC Health Department's Reasonable Accommodation Policy for Vaccinations (PDF)

Additional Resources